Dean of Instruction- Taos Branch

Overview

Dean of Instruction – Taos Branch.

Employment Type:

Faculty.

Location:

Taos, New Mexico. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, tuition remission, and dependent education programs.

Position Summary:

Dean of Instruction – Now Accepting Applications.

UNM-Taos, one of four branch campuses of the state’s flagship university, seeks a visionary, collaborative, and student-centered leader for the Faculty Executive position of Dean of Instruction. Located in Taos, NM, UNM–Taos is committed to student success, equity, and community partnerships.

About the Role

The Dean of Instruction is the chief academic officer of UNM-Taos, responsible for leading academic and Career Technical Education programs, supporting faculty development, and creating pathways that prepare students for transfer and immediate employment. This role offers an opportunity to shape the academic future of a diverse, rural campus rooted in culture, creativity, and community engagement.

Ideal Candidate

We’re seeking a leader who:

• Demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusive education and servingness
• Has a strong record of academic leadership, innovation, and institutional effectiveness
• Can engage collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners
• Is passionate about serving rural and underserved student populations

Note:

Additional information about the position is available on the UNM-Taos site in the official posting.

• A stunning natural setting with rich cultural heritage
• A close-knit campus community focused on student success
• Opportunities to lead transformative initiatives in higher education
• A chance to make a lasting impact in Northern New Mexico

Located approximately 130 miles north of Albuquerque, UNM-Taos is the only college within a 50-mile radius. Surrounded by the Rio Grande, Sangre de Christo Mountains, and the Taos Pueblo lands, UNM-Taos is connected to rural, multicultural, and historically rich communities and epitomizes the term “community college.”

UNM-Taos serves almost 1,300 students from Taos, Rio Arriba, Colfax counties, and Taos and Picuris Pueblo Nations. The student body is diverse, with 52% Hispanic and 10% Native American enrollment in fall 2025, and includes non-traditional and first-generation students. UNM-Taos has received multiple federal grants, including TRIO programs (Student Support Services and Veterans Upward Bound), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) grants including Title V and Title III:
Part F STEM, USDA NIFA, LIFT, and NSF grants. About 80% of UNM-Taos alumni remain in the area, contributing to the region’s intellectual life, economy, and workforce development.

The last decade at UNM-Taos has seen growth in facilities, nursing and ECE programs, and the expansion of programs like Natural Resources Management and Film and Digital Media Arts. The campus emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and high-impact practices to promote inclusion and equitable outcomes such as culturally relevant pedagogy and a sense of community and belonging college-wide.

UNM-Taos is dedicated to student engagement and success across transfer, workforce entry, new skills development, and personal enrichment, with wraparound supports to promote equitable outcomes.

We value diverse identities and experiences and offer opportunities for teachers, researchers, business professionals, skilled tradespeople, and more in an environment that respects varied perspectives. Join the UNM-Taos familia today!

In addition to what the University offers, living in Taos, NM provides access to art, history, culture, and outdoor activities. For life in Taos, see Visit Taos and New Mexico True  (no links).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or other terminal degree awarded by July 2026 by a regionally accredited institution
• Five years of progressive academic leadership experience in higher education (e.g., department chair, associate dean, dean, or equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with faculty supervision, innovation, curriculum development, and advancing equitable student outcomes
• Evidence of successful leadership at a community college
• Strong record of teaching,…